JJ Gabriel and his family are yet to make a decision on his future but it is increasingly likely his next club will be in Europe. Real Madrid and Barcelona retain a strong interest, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich continue to keep a close eye on his situation. Gabriel turned 16 on Tuesday, which is the age at which European clubs are allowed to sign him to a professional contract.
Gabriel is eligible to apply for a European passport through his parents. Sky Sports News reported on Monday evening that United will consider legal action if he moves to a European club. However, it is understood that this is not a concern to Gabriel and his camp as they consider their next move for the 16-year-old.
Gabriel was pictured in United's squad photo for the 2026/27 season on Monday but is still expected to leave Old Trafford. Sky Sports News understands the picture was taken on September 8, when Gabriel was still at the club and expected to feature for the first team this season. It was just days later that Gabriel and his family put in a formal request to leave.
Gabriel remains registered with United and Sky Sports News understands multiple attempts have been made to reconcile the situation with the 16-year-old and his family, with duty of care being a factor for such a young player, but no progress has been made. Gabriel has attracted the interest of Europe's biggest clubs and talks have taken place between his camp and the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, with PSG and Bayern Munich also interested in the young attacking talent. From United's perspective, they feel they have done all they can to show Gabriel and his family a clear pathway to their first team while also protecting his long-term development.
This involves, for example, featuring in the first-team squad photo that was released on Monday - a message he was to be involved in Michael Carrick's plans this season. Another action they would point to is having Gabriel train with the first team for pre-season while also making his debut against Atletico Madrid in a friendly during that time. However, Gabriel and his family would point to wanting more than the eight to nine minutes off the bench that he got in that particular game.
Gabriel's involvement in pre-season came after the then 15-year-old failed to report back with the academy squad at the beginning of pre-season as expected. The U21s arrived back at Carrington a week before the first team, and Gabriel was due back at the same time. But his family believed it was beneath him and were of the view he should only be involved in first-team training and so pulled him out of reporting back with the U21s.
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